Lockdown is lifted as Liverpool City Region moves to tier two restrictions

As we move in tier two Coronavirus restrictions retailers in Liverpool are bracing themselves for the big Christmas rush.

The shops are back open with some extending their trading hours to keep up with expected demand.

Iain Finlayson from Liverpool One says patience and common sense are a priority if you're heading into town today :

"We've got external queueing systems outside of stores so you will need to wait a little longer before you go in but the main thing is to keep your distance from each other and you will need to wear your face coverings in stores.

There is a sense of excitement out there. The retailers are expecting to be busy as I'm sure everybody can imagine."

Under new rules you still can't go the pub for a pint unless you order a substantial meal.

Liverpool's Director of Public Health Matt Ashton says there is Scientific evidence to back up that decision :

"Tier three is good for reducing the level of infections, tier two is good at keeping the level of infections were they are at and tier one isn't effective at all at reducing or maintaining the level of infection so I'm happy with where we are at".

Here are those tier 2 restrictions in full :

You must not socialise with anyone you do not live with or who is not in your support bubble in any indoor setting, whether at home or in a public place.

You must not socialise in a group of more than 6 people outside, including in a garden or a public space – this is called the ‘rule of 6’

Businesses and venues can continue to operate, in a COVID-Secure manner, other than those which remain closed by law, such as nightclubs

Pubs and bars must close, unless operating as restaurants. Hospitality venues can only serve alcohol with substantial meals

Hospitality businesses selling food or drink for consumption on their premises are required to:

Provide table service only, in premises which sell alcohol

Close between 11pm and 5am (hospitality venues in airports, ports, transport services and motorway service areas are exempt)

Stop taking orders after 10pm

Hospitality businesses and venues selling food and drink for consumption off the premises can continue to do so after 10pm as long as this is through delivery service, click-and-collect or drive-through

Early closure (11pm) applies to casinos, cinemas, theatres, museums, bowling alleys, amusement arcades, funfairs, theme parks, adventure parks and activities, and bingo halls. Cinemas, theatres and concert halls can stay open beyond 11pm in order to conclude performances that start before 10pm

Public attendance at outdoor and indoor events (performances and shows) is permitted, limited to whichever is lower: 50% capacity, or either 2,000 people outdoors or 1,000 people indoors

Public attendance at spectator sport and business events can resume inside and outside, subject to social contact rules and limited to whichever is lower: 50% capacity, or either 2,000 people outdoors or 1,000 people indoors

Places of worship remain open but you must not socialise with people from outside of your household or support bubble while you are indoors there, unless a legal exemption applies

Weddings and funerals can go ahead with restrictions on numbers of attendees – 15 people can attend wedding ceremonies and receptions, 30 people can attend funeral ceremonies, and 15 people can attend linked commemorative events such as wakes or stonesettings.

Organised outdoor sport, and physical activity and exercise classes can continue

Organised indoor sport, physical activity and exercise classes will only be permitted if it is possible for people to avoid mixing with people they do not live with (or share a support bubble with). There are exceptions for indoor disability sport, sport for educational purposes and supervised sport and physical activity for under-18s, which can take place with larger groups mixing

You can continue to travel to venues or amenities which are open, but should aim to reduce the number of journeys you make where possible

If you live in a tier 2 area, you must continue to follow tier 2 rules when you travel to a tier 1 area. Avoid travel to or overnight stays in tier 3 areas other than where necessary, such as for work, education, youth services, to receive medical treatment, or because of caring responsibilities.You can travel through a tier 3 area as a part of a longer journey

For international travel see the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office travel advice for your destination and the travel corridors list.

Health Secretary Matt Hancock has said the tier system will be reviewed in a fortnight.